Each year in June, we see hundreds of people gather together in our community to stand up against cancer and enact change. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland gives people the opportunity to celebrate, heal, mourn and flex their muscle amongst a supportive ‘family’ of sorts.
Despite an early morning thunderstorm on Saturday, this massive group of dynamic and caring individuals raised $103,000 for the American Cancer Society. They raised funds all year long and continued doing so at the event with minnow races, angry bird games, bake sales and more. The team campsites were decorated beautifully to reflect our event theme of “Beaches, Butterflies and Buffett,” and walkers filled the track nonstop for 16 hours. On Friday night, the path of Mandt Park in Stoughton was lined with Luminaria bags paying tribute to cancer survivors, those who have lost their battle with cancer, and caregivers who have given support. Our closing ceremony was accented by a stunning butterfly release.
Oregon offered a tremendous amount of support to the Relay year, and on behalf of the event organizers, we thank the members of this community for the role you played in our event’s success. It was a pleasure to recognize Colleen Williams, Oregon’s Honorary Cancer Survivor, and to hear her speak in our Luminaria Ceremony. Colleen’s story is powerful and moving, and her support of the American Cancer Society is longstanding.
The funds that are raised by the Relay For Life go to the American Cancer Society, a century-old, not-for-profit and highly respectable charitable organization that supports our very communities. Services offered by the American Cancer Society are available to our neighbors, families and friends right here in Oregon.
And with that, we say ‘Thank You’ to each person, each business, each service club, each family, each team, and each volunteer for leading our event to success. For every marquee you posted, every window you allowed us to paint, every dollar, service or item that you donated, and every minute you gave of your time and talents, we are eternally thankful.
We look forward to June 20-21, 2014, when we will again join for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland.
It really is all about a community taking up the fight, and there is no finish line until we find the cure. Therefore, indeed, we Relay on!
Amy Ketterer, Sara Hynek and Maureen Hubeler
Volunteer event chairs